Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman receives, services, investigates and resolves complaints or problems concerning residents of long-term health care facilities. The program also provides advocacy services to long-term care facility residents, and comments on existing and proposed legislation, regulations and policies affecting long-term care residents. Education is provided to residents, family members and facility staff concerning the legal rights of residents.

Our Mission

The Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman shall represent the interests and concerns of elders residing in New Hampshire's long term care facilities and advocate on their behalf to ensure full realization of their rights to receive quality care and services and to experience an optimal quality of life.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman activities are organized around three major areas: Prevention, Intervention and Advocacy.

Prevention

• Education and consultation to both staff and individuals on issues affecting residents in long-term care facilities;
• Problem solving before a crisis occurs and to make recommendations to facility administration and staff concerning needed changes in policy and procedures;
• Information and referral to help connect persons to the best available resources; and
• Regular visitation services to residents by Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers to try and identify and resolve issues before they become complaints or serious problems.

Intervention

• Investigation of problems and complaints, negotiation and intervention to assist residents and their family members in resolving conflicts or problems.

Advocacy

• Service gap assessment and recommendations for the development of programs and supports to meet the needs of elder long-term care residents; and represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies, to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of the residents.